Sixth International Sacra Liturgia Summer School: 3-16 August 2019

Sixth International

Sacra Liturgia Summer School

La Garde-Freinet

(Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)

83680, France

3 - 16 August 2019

An English-language liturgical summer school following on from the international Sacra Liturgia conferences in Rome, New York, London and Milan and the 2014-2018 summer schools organised by the Monastère Saint-Benoît of the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon, France.

Participants in the 2018 Summer School
following Pontifical Mass at the throne with Bishop Rey
at the Royal Basilica of St Mary Magdalene

Designed for families, individuals and groups of clergy and laity who wish to holiday in Provence in the South of France whilst having the opportunity to be formed in the Sacred Liturgy and to participate in liturgical celebrations according to the usus antiquior of the Roman rite.

The programme includes pilgrimages to and the celebration of solemn Mass in the Royal Basilica housing the relics of St Mary Magdalen at St Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume on the afternoon of Thursday, August 8th, and a pilgrimage to the chapel housing the relics of St Roseline of Villeneuve (†1329) on the morning of Tuesday, August 13th. A visit to the ancient Cistercian Abbey of Le Thoronet is also possible.

Archbishop Gullickson celebrating pontifical Vespers at the 2014 Summer School.

This year we are delighted to welcome back His Excellency, Archbishop Thomas Gullickson, Apostolic Nuncio to Switzerland and Leichtenstein, who will celebrate pontifical Mass and Vespers for the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6th) and give an address "Moving Forward - My Plea for Full Liturgical Restoration". In addition, the Bishop of Fréjus-Toulon, Msgr Dominique Rey, will be present at Solemn Vespers on Sunday, August 11th and will join the delegates for supper afterwards.

Solemn Mass in the Chapel of Saint Rosealine of Villeneuve
during the 2018 Summer School

The summer school includes practical formation in Gregorian chant (for beginners and for those more advanced), and in the ceremonies of the usus antiquior for priests and seminarians wishing to learn how to celebrate Low Mass, how to serve as deacon and subdeacon, and for seminarians and servers who wish to learn more about the rites and how to serve as a Master of Ceremonies. 

The daily schedule gives over the mornings to practical training (approximately 14 hours of tuition in total), with presentations and discussions taking place in the evenings after vespers. Afternoons are free for relaxation and exploring the region.

A village scene during the 2017 Summer School

The mountain village of La Garde-Freinet, situated in a wine growing region some 20 km from Saint-Tropez and approximately 15 km from the Mediterranean sea, is an ideal holiday location with mountain walks, a Provencal market, shops and restaurants. English is widely spoken in the village. Participants will arrange their own accommodation, meals and transport. For further information on the village, including local accommodation available for rent, see here. The secretariat may be able to help individuals in finding accommodation in the village if necessary.

The nearest airports are Toulon/Hyeres, Nice and Marseille from which one can hire a car to use in getting to and from the village, for use whilst there, and for the pilgrimages. The nearest railway station is Les Arcs/Draguinan from which in August there are buses to La Garde-Freinet. French railway information can be found here and bus timetables here.

Practical training options:

Low Mass practice (for clergy and seminarians)

-   Textbook: J.B. O’Connell, The Celebration of Mass; a Study of the Rubrics of the Roman Missal.. (1964; reprinted by Preserving Christian Publications)

The Sacred Ministers at Solemn Mass including chants (for clergy and seminarians)

-      Textbook: Fortescue, O’Connell, Reid, The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described, 15th ed., Burns & Oates 2009.

Sung Mass (missa cantata) including chants (for clergy and seminarians)

-     Textbook: Fortescue, O’Connell, Reid, The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described, 15th ed., Burns & Oates 2009

Serving low, sung and solemn Mass (men and boys)

-     No textbook is required, but those who wish may bring: Fortescue, O’Connell, Reid, The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described, 15th ed., Burns & Oates 2009

The chant of the Mass and Office (any participants - beginners, intermediate & advanced)

-     Tutors will be in touch regarding materials to bring. Most music will be provided.

A "masterclass" for Masters of Ceremonies (experienced servers, seminarians and clergy)
- Participants in this masterclass should have access to at least the ceremonial books mentioned above.

To Register Please Click Here 

Registration is possible for the whole Summer School

or for individual days.

Registrants are responsible for their own accommodation, transport and meals. Where possible the secretariat will try to help individuals, particularly students and seminarians, who need to share accommodation or transport. 

In addition to the daily schedule below, the programme includes the following:

Tuesday, 6th August, Pontifical Mass and Vespers at the Faldstool celebrated by His Excellency, Archbishop Thomas Gullickson, Apostolic Nuncio to Switzerland and Leichtenstein. Address by Archbishop Gullickson: "Moving Forward - My Plea for Full Liturgical Restoration".

Thursday, 8th August, 15h00: Solemn Mass in the Royal Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalen, St Maximin la Sainte-Baume, followed by veneration of the relics and vespers. A private visit to the sanctuary of St Mary Magdalene in the mountains of La Sainte-Baume is possible beforehand.

Monday, 12th August, Solemn Requiem Mass at 09h00.

Tuesday, 13th August, 11h00: Solemn Mass in the Chapel of Saint Rosaline of Villeneuve, Les Arcs, preceded by Terce and followed by the veneration of the relics.  A private visit to the historic Abbey of Le Thoronet is possible in the afternoon.

Sacra Liturgia is profoundly grateful to the Very Reverend and Reverend Curé’s of St Maximin la Sainte-Baume and Les Arcs for their kind welcome.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

The Divine Office celebrated solemnly
forms an integral part of each day of the Summer School.

Normal Daily Schedule

[Although it does not form part of the summer school programme,
participants may participate in the Office of Matins 
with the monks at 03h30 if they wish.]

Lauds: 06h00 (followed by private Masses)

Prime: 07h30

Confessions: 08h30

Terce: 08h45

Sung Mass: 09h00

Practical training: Chant/Ceremonies: 10h15

Break: 11h15

Practical training: Chant/Ceremonies: 11h30

Sext: 12h45

None: 14h00

free time

Vespers: 18h00

Aperitif & social time/Evening discussion: 18h30

Compline: 19h30